More than a few things about Chinese culture have managed to capture the world’s attention. From savory Chinese cuisine to the Great Wall, China has carved out a particular cultural niche. One such celebrated cynosure of Chinese culture is marvelous Dragon paintings.
What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear the term ‘Chinese Dragon’? Dangerous? Ferocious? Flames? Evil? Surprisingly, those are attributes of the Western or European Dragon, and the Chinese Dragon is quite the opposite.
Graceful and serpentine, the Dragon is a representative of good fortune and a harbinger of prosperity in China. Contrary to its aggressive, fire-breathing Western counterpart, the Chinese Dragon is a rain deity who controls water and weather phenomena. Read on to unravel the mystery surrounding the Chinese Dragon.
Origin of the Dragon
The history behind the origin of the Chinese Dragon is vast – a complex web of several interconnected myths. Of these, the worship of totems by ancient Chinese tribes is the most popular. The earliest dragon-like motif discovered so far belongs to the Xinglongwa culture (6200-5400 BC). This theory proposes that the Dragon is created by the coalescence of nine animals, namely stag, camel, tiger, clam, carp, snake, eagle, cow, and demon.
The story starts with a legendary Chinese leader named Yandi, who lived during the pre-dynasty times. People believe him to have descended from a mighty dragon. Yandi, in partnership with a great tribal leader Huang Di, conquered nine different tribes in the Yellow River Valley. They incorporated nine other tribal totems into a single dragon totem which is the origin of the Chinese Dragon of today. Their victory and consequent leadership are believed to have unified China and pioneered Chinese civilization.
Significance of the Dragon
The symbolism and significance associated with the Chinese Dragon are of epic proportions. First, the Dragon signifies prosperity – success in business, plentiful harvests, and excellent health. Secondly, dragons are also associated with personal and professional safety and protection. Therefore, many Chinese New Year traditions include a vibrant Dragon Dance to pray for prosperity and well-being.
The Chinese Dragon is representative of masculinity, which commanded influence and authority in traditional Chinese society. As discussed earlier, contrary to their Western counterparts, Chinese dragons are a symbol of kindness, warmth, and harmony. Dragons are also regarded as deities of water and weather and are considered responsible for rains and seasonal changes.
Cultural References
One of the essential cultural representations of the Dragon is in the Chinese Zodiac. Children born under dragon years are blessed with the personality traits of confidence and decisiveness. Again, the Azure Dragon is a remarkable constellation and is one of the four Celestial Guardians.
Popular dragon-related attractions during Chinese festivities, especially the Chinese New Year, include Dragonboat Racing and Dragon dancing. The term ‘Dragon vs. Tiger’ has its source in Chinese mythology, where the tiger is the arch-nemesis of the Dragon. Additionally, the Chinese Dragon has found widespread adaptation and cultural representation in books, movies, and television in China and abroad.
Types of Dragons
Ancient Chinese cosmogony categorizes dragons into four types – Tianlong, Fuzanglong, Dilong, and Shenlong. Tianlong is the Celestial Dragon, while Fuzanglong is the Dragon that guards the hidden treasure. Dilong is the Earth Dragon and controls water phenomena, while Shenlong is the Chinese Dragon of Spirituality.
Apart from this, the Chinese Dragon is said to have nine sons, each of whom has a different personality, appearance, and purpose. Bixi, the eldest son, has sharp teeth and is depicted carrying heavy objects, while Qiuniu is yellow and associated with music. Yazi has the head of a leopard and is engaged in war, while Pulao is known for its loud wailing.
Chaofeng is impulsive and adventurous, while Sunni is shaped like a lion and enjoys the fragrance of incense. Chin lives in the sea and devours living creatures while Bi’an thrives on lawsuits. The last of the nine sons, Fuxi, is the one that resembles the original Chinese Dragon the most.
Famous Artworks
Many famous artists have marveled at the ferocious beauty of the Chinese Dragon and the tales surrounding it. Some have been able to capture it all in iconic dragon paintings.
Nine Dragons
Nine Dragons by Chinese Artist Chen Rong (1244) is the most famous artistic depiction of the Chinese Dragon. It is a handscroll painting depicting dragons flying amidst rain, mist, and fire. It symbolizes the relationship of dragons with rainfall.
Silk Painting of a Man Riding a Dragon
Image Source: Wikipedia
This silk dragon painting belongs to the Warring States period (475-221 BC). It illustrates a man riding a dragon, complete with reins and an umbrella for shade.
Cover of The Song of the Jade Bowl
This artwork covers the end-folio of a book called ‘The Song of the Jade Bowl’ written by the Chinese Emperor, Qianlong. The dragon painting dates back to 1745, but the artist remains unknown.
Embroidered Chinese Dragon
Made by an anonymous artist, this art piece represents a lustrous Chinese Dragon embroidered on the front page of a Franco Chinese Diplomatic Treaty.
Conclusion
Despite being a mythical creature, the Chinese Dragon’s legacy lives on. In ancient times, the Dragon symbolized power and authority and hence remained confined to the royals. However, with time, the legend of the Dragon has found its way into mainstream Chinese culture.
People have grown to appreciate and understand the Dragon’s significance increasingly. If you are one such dragon enthusiast, 1st-Art-Gallery would be the place to make some incredible dragon artwork your own.
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